The President's Message

September 2014

by Sandy Tsutsui-Trujillo, President

Established 1987

"Promoting the Harmony of Computer Education, and Camaraderie"

“I’m b-a-a-c-k.”
This is the little voice you hear at the horror move when the scary creature suddenly appears. I was asked a couple of days ago by President Sandy if I could write the column that our president submits monthly as she was traveling north because of a family health crisis. There are so many people with so many problems that we do not know about, so we all should remember we are all members of humanity and should be as helpful as we can be. So — what to write?

I decided to write about our computer club and benefits I have received with this relationship.

I have never been a real “techie.” I have been one of those who subscribe to the philosophy of the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) method of presentation and learning. There are some subjects I may want to really delve into the minutiae of information about, but computers and how they work have not been big on my list. However, over the years as a member of CIPCUG, I have gained a bunch of knowledge as to how those tools of convenience work, how to keep them safe from malware of all types, and information about what is new on the horizon. This I learned from listening to our technology professors — Rick, Michael, and Toby. This is their field of work and they are very good at it. I have called them on occasion when I needed information, and they were very helpful. I have purchased equipment from Ventura County Computers because I trust them. This is not a paid advertisement, just a statement of fact.

I am one of those who believe that this organization is also a social outlet. As human beings, we need a social component, and this hobby can help to serve that purpose. This is why we should wear our name tags. It would be nice to call you by name when greeting you. It is for this reason that I created a by-line during my term as president that some of you may remember: “Promoting the Harmony of Computer Education and Comradery.”

Allow me to make a few comments in general terms about our club:

Our board members are among the very best as evidenced by the awards we have achieved as a computer club and also that our board members are in positions of leadership in other organizations. All this is in addition to our day jobs. However, we are stymied by communicating with you about our needs, and, frankly your lack of response. In the near future, we may ask for part-time assistance to meet certain needs of the club. If you have a skill, we would like to know about it. Your information would go on a list, and if the occasion arose that we needed you, we would know whom to ask. Do you have a skill in graphic design or creating words to be used in promotion? Let us know. Thank you for those volunteers who helped set up the room last month and stacked chairs at the end of our meeting. We need that kind of help and hope you will continue in your contribution. Financially, we are doing OK, but the big elephant in the room is the cost of printing and mailing the monthly TOE newsletter. Ii would be a great help if we could increase our membership and spread the cost out. Do what you can to promote CIPCUG.

And finally (I say this to keep our editor, John, from hyperventilating), my experience with our club and being elected to the board has been a very positive experience, and I thank you all.